Opinion

True stories: Expats’ experiences!

December 18, 2018
True stories: Expats’ experiences!

Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi

“I still read your articles even though I left Saudi Arabia two years ago and returned to my home city Sheffield in the UK” wrote my pen pal Ramon. “As you may remember, I taught at the British International School in Riyadh for five years and my wife is from Yanbu and lectured on education at King Saud University,” he reminded me.

Commenting on my last article, “Are we racists?”, he wrote: “I think there is racism and tribalism in Saudi Arabia because of the separation of ‘guest’ communities in schools. Pupils of all backgrounds and origins should study in the same schools.

“I also believe that intermarriage will play a significant part in eradicating racism/tribalism. My father is Pakistani and my mother English and my wife Saudi. Our two daughters, because of their mixed heritage identity, are sensitive to other cultures and ethnicities, including our common values and humanity and therefore are colorblind,” Ramon explained.

During my recent visit to Riyadh, I met with an intellectual friend. Omar, too, had interesting comments. “In Canada,” he related, “I met a pharmacist who announced: “I am from the Emirates!” I was surprised and said: “But you don’t speak Arabic, and certainly you don’t look Arab.” He explained, “I am an Indian but I lived in the United Arab Emirates for a couple of years. I felt at home and miss my great experience there. If it wasn’t for my desire to go to college, I wouldn’t have left.”

“Now, tell me, Khaled, how many expats feel that way, here? Probably only a few, as you mentioned in your article. That’s because you don’t make them feel at home. I know people who have lived here for ages. Some are even in the second or third generation. Still, they are regarded as foreigners no matter how they look, speak, think and feel.

“For one thing, they may never be citizens. I know of families who have Saudi and non-Saudi members, brothers who were born here and were lucky to get citizenship before the law became strict, and others who were not as lucky. Now, a family is divided between those who belong and those who don’t.

“In addition, society seems to appreciate people according to where they come from. Tribal mentality makes even some Saudis feel like outsiders. As soon as you meet them, they ask about your origin, region, tribe and family.

“The goal of this acute investigation is to find out how much you are worth. Are you originally Arab? If so, are you tribal? And how respected is your tribe and family? On the basis of this investigation, your status is decided. Now, tell me, how the Indian pharmacist would feel in such an environment?” Omar asked.

“How is it any different in Dubai?” I inquired. He replied: “There, my good Saudi friend, foreigners are treated as assets and human resources, just like in Canada. You are worth as much as your contribution and value to the economy, development and society. Your ethnicity makes little difference, but certificates, contributions and investments do. Yes, it is hard to become a citizen, but still you can live with respect and dignity, and feel a sense of belonging. That is, for most, good enough.”

Here are some related comments from readers:

“I have spent my whole life in Saudi Arabia. I was born, raised and completed my education, here. Yet, I am still a ‘foreigner’ and have to apply and renew my status every year. Why?” Bilal

“We can all fall into the trap of stereotyping a country and its people and I am sure the article will receive comments sharing personal experiences, both good and bad. I have my own. Saudi Arabia, with its unique history and the oil industry, has attracted many people like us from abroad. Let’s not Saudi-bash but think of ways to improve the relationship.” Mohamed

“I wish every Saudi understood why we respect them. It is their belonging to this sacred and holy land and not the riyals and petrol or gold!” Maria Khan

“Muslims should consider one another as brothers and sisters. Arabs are not better than others. Many do not consider Bangladeshis as good Muslims because of our ‘cultured Islam’. Well, educate us!” Mohammad Ruhuzzaman

“I was born here and after 21years returned to my home country with my retired father. Missing Saudi Arabia, I came back and had the worst experience of my life. I paid around SR 20,000 riyals for a residency permit and left in just three months.” Islam

“Retain us if we are needed, or send us home. But whatever you do, do it kindly. Let us help each other and part with sweet memories!” Shafiq Janjua

— Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi is a Saudi writer based in Jeddah. He can be reached at kbatarfi@gmail.com. Follow him at Twitter:@kbatarfi


December 18, 2018
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